PCStrategy Video Games

Strategy games. Victory depends here on player’s strategy and tactics. Main task is to control resources (e.g. troops, civil workers) in order to defeat an enemy or achieve some other goal. The gameplay can be turn-based or in real time (RTS). Specific types of strategy games are economic games and so called ‘tycoons’. more

PC (Personal computer) - one of the most popular home platforms and the only one which doesn’t offer playing video games as its main purpose. PC was born in the 1970s, but it is impossible to give an exact moment of its birth or even a name of its creator. However, IBM is the one who gave computers their present shape, using, at the beginning of the 1980s, an idea of open architecture – which is today one of the most important differences between computers and consoles.

The foundations of PC as a gaming platform are currently systems of digital distribution of video games (Steam, Origin, Uplay) and MMO games that mostly work in f2p (free-to-play) model.

A tactical real-time strategy game inspired by the Commandos series. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is set in Japan in 1615. The new shogun decided to enforce peace in the entire country which requires him to silently eliminate all the opposition that may dream of rebelling against him. To achieve this, he asks a group of five specialists who deal in murder, sabotage, and espionage. It is the team that the player will lead in the course of the campaign that consists of over a dozen extensive missions. In Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, the action is presented from a camera placed high above the characters’ heads which provides us with a good grasp of the environment and lets us efficiently issue orders to our agents. Since they perform risky tasks on enemy territory, it is necessary to stay out of guards’ sight and act stealthily. Maps were designed in a way that allows for any mission to be completed in various ways. To succeed, the player always has to cunningly use the unique skills of every character and devise plans that involve strict cooperation within the party.

An economic strategy game created by Frontier Developments - the creators of the RollerCoaster Tycoon and the Elite franchises. In the game, the player's task is to build and manage an amusement park. It is up to the player to decide about the general outlook of the park, but modern-day roller coasters are the main dish. These can be shaped freely - the player chooses the number of curves and the height of their roller coaster. After that, modifications can be applied in a 3D view of the construction. Economy is an essential aspect to the game - the player has to carefully set the ticket prices in particular sectors in order to make a profit while giving the visitors a reason come again. Also, the visitors' needs and levels of satisfaction also have to be taken into account, and so the park needs to develop in the right direction. The visuals are highly colorful and character models seem to have been made our of plasticine, which emphasizes the soothing atmosphere of the game. To make managing the virtual park easier, the creators implemented a dynamic camera view, including the options to zoom in or out.

The sixth installment of the legendary series of turn-based strategy games that allow us to control a selected civilization throughout several thousand years of its history. It was traditionally developed by Firaxis Games led by Sid Meier, the franchise’s creator, himself. Gameplay-wise, Civilization VI combines together the well-proven solutions of its predecessors but also introduces several revolutionary changes. The most important one is the city development. Metropolises can now span across more than one field and consist of four kinds of districts: industrial, scientific, trading, and military. The technology development system was also modified, so that every invention offers an additional mini-quest that provides a useful bonus. Significant changes were also introduced in diplomacy, and the combat mechanics now somewhat mitigate the restrictions introduced by the fifth installment of the series. The game traditionally features an extensive and fully configurable multiplayer mode.

Transport Fever is an economic strategy by a Swiss studio, Urban Games. The previous game by this team was Train Fever, released in 2014. Contrary to that title, in Transport Fever the developers decided to offer not only land-based transport management, but aerial and marine transport as well. The goal of this game hasn't changed however - it still is about developing an efficient transport network connecting different locations, and allowing smooth transportation of goods and passengers. In Transport Fever players need to design routes and railways, erect strategic buildings such as railway stations, airports, and docking bays. The network has to be maintained and upgraded to meet the increasing demands of the market. The whole transport empire is strictly dependent on the economy; the game requires a reasonable management of the funds.

The fourth installment in a highly popular strategic game franchise - Europa Universalis. The title was developed by Paradox Development Studio. In accordance with the tradition of the series, Europa Universalis IV lets you command and develop a chosen nation over the course of several centuries. This time the historical framework spans from 11 November 1444 to 2 January 1821. The gameplay is based on classic solutions of the 4X genre (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate). The player has to manage his provinces, develop new technologies, command armies, and conduct diplomacy. Apart from AI enemies the game offers online multiplayer for up to 32 people.

Next installment in the epic strategy game series, introduced by Creative Assembly in 2000. After a series of titles set in different historical periods, the developers decided to take players into one of the most famous fantasy universes, created by the Games Workshop company. In the dark universe of Warhammer, different races constantly fight for power and world domination, unaware of the fact that the real threat comes from a mighty force from the north. The game lets become the leader of one of several races, including humans, orcs, goblins, dwarves, vampires, and others. Disregarding the fantasy elements, the gameplay does not differ significantly from the previous games in the series, with epic real-time battles lying at its core. Between the battles the gameplay switches to a turn-based mode, where on a world map you develop your country, its economy, and establish diplomatic relations with other nations.

The third installment in a real-time strategy series, set in a historical setting of the 17th and 18th century. The game was created by the reactivated GSC Game World studio, known for such titles as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or American Conquest. In terms of the plot, this game is a remake of the first installment, originally released in 2000. In the game you can select any of the 12 available historical nations, each having their own buildings, units, and technologies. Gameplay is based on the classic mechanics of RTS genre, so your responsibilities include expanding your base, gathering resources, and recruiting an army to fight your enemies. Although you command massive armies in battles (up to 10 thousand units at one time), it is possible to give orders to individual soldiers. Each one has his own statistics, such as health, morale, level of training, experience, and fatigue.

An extensive turn-based strategy game that came out as the fifth installment in the Civilization series, a popular franchise created by Sid Meier. Sid Meier's Civilization V was developed by Firaxis Games Studios supported by the publishing company Take Two Interactive. In accordance with the tradition of the series, player becomes the leader of a selected nation and leads it throughout a period of several thousand years. Gameplay mechanics underwent no major changes, and the new solutions (such as implementation of neutral city-states, hexagonal map grid, and the limit of one unit per field) are mostly results of evolution of previously employed ideas. Some visible changes were made to the visuals, which are now powered by a brand new graphic engine.

A real-time space strategy with RPG elements developed by Paradox Interactive – the creators of such renowned series as Europa Universalis or Crusader Kings. The game is played in a procedurally generated interstellar space, where your job is to build a galactic empire. A the beginning of the game you choose one of the 7 playable races that differ in appearance, skills, and ethics. The game focuses on exploration and expansion, giving you the choice to subdue other species by force or ally with them, using an advanced diplomacy system. Either way, the nations unwilling to engage in peace talks will have to be persuaded on the battlefield, where battle-hardened fleets serve as your envoys. The title offers three independent technological trees, allowing you to focus on developing your civilization's society, engineering, or physics, depending on your preferences.

A sequel to the expansive strategy game Crusader Kings, which came to existence in 2004 as a medieval-themed spin-off to the popular Europa Universalis franchise that has been developed for over a decade by Paradox Studios. The game is set in the 11th century, and you play as a prominent Christian noble, who aims to secure a successful future for his house. Throughout the gameplay you have to oversee a a number of areas essential to the development of your kingdom: social and feudal issues, military, diplomacy, and religion. The most noticeable modification, as compared with the previous game, is the developed psychological aspect, giving more weight to social relations and individual motivations of your subjects. Other changes include the introduction of barons who manage provinces, royal spies, increased importance of women, and far-reaching relations with the Church.

The fourth major installment in a series of larg-scale strategy games, which originated in 2002 as a spin-off to the popular Europa Universalis series. Both franchises are consistently developed by Paradox Interactive. The game lets you take the lead of a country from the World War II period and beyond, specifically the years 1936-1948. Your responsibilities involve taking care of international relations and building alliances, but also developing the army, choosing the right strategy, and conducting the military operations. As it was in the previous editions of the series, the game combines faithfully recreated historical events (including authentic leaders, as well as military forces and technologies used by particular countries, along with the possibility of putting the history on a different course. As compared with the previous games, micromanagement was slightly reduced, and the focus shifted to larg-scale strategy. Other additions include the day and night cycle and changing seasons, as well as an option of grouping provinces into regions to facilitate management.

An economic strategy game belonging to the popular genre of city builders. This one was created by the Finnish studio Colossal Order, creators of the Cities In Motion series. The game is a response to the popular SimCity franchise from Maxis Studios. In contrast to the previous titles from the Finns, this one is not limited to public transportation, letting you build up a whole virtual metropolis from scratch. The game is set on maps providing 36 square kilometers of terrain each, where you can build your dream city and take care of its inhabitants by raising new buildings and creating transportation network. Economic aspect is the crucial element to the game – while playing, you have to keep an eye on the city budget, provided by your citizens' taxes, and establish trade contacts with neighboring cities. You also develop means of public transportation to help your citizens get around the city faster. The game features high quality 3D graphics and full mod support.

A grand-scale strategy game developed by British studio Creative Assembly. Total War: Rome II lets players become leaders of the nations of antiquity from the Roman Empire period and struggle for dominance over new territories. Like the past Total War games (e.g. Total War: Shogun 2 and Empire: Total War) gameplay combines turn-based and real-time activities. Your task is to manage you provinces and command armies. The game’s highlight are the spectacular battles of armies fielding thousands of units. The developers of Total War: Rome II carefully kept to historical truth when it comes to battle formations, weaponry, and tactics. High-quality graphics was achieved thanks to a modified version of the Warscape Engine.

The fifth installment in the popular economic strategy game series - SimCity. The game was developed by EA Maxis Studios (known for The Sims and Spore) with publishing support from the Electronic Arts company. In accordance to the tradition of the series, you becomes a mayor of a virtual city who has to turn it into a bustling metropolis. To this end, you have to deal with complex management issues, economic and social problems, as well as quickly react to various random events (e.g. natural disasters). The new SimCity stands out from the previous games in the series thanks to its advanced game engine - Glassbox, as well as extensive social panel CityLog (inspired of similar systems used in Need for Speed and Battlefield games).

The seventh installment of one of the most popular turn-based fantasy strategy series dating back to 1995. It was created by the German studio Limbic Entertainment, whose portfolio includes the previous installment in the Heroes of Might & Magic series and Might & Magic X: Legacy. The story takes us to an empire torn by a civil war, in which young Prince Ivan created the Shadow Council composed of representatives from six different factions. The mechanics of the game are reminiscent of the earliest installments of the series and use a variety of solutions which were not implemented in the sixth part. The previously simplified economic model was improved, and the town screen was restored, together with all the characteristic features of individual factions. The maps are much larger and put greater emphasis on exploration; furthermore, the typical turn-based combat system has been slightly modified. During the battle we can use numerous machines and support units, including catapults, ballistas, and medical tents, and the battle arenas are filled with a larger number of various objects and obstacles.

The third paid expansion to the successful economic strategy game Cities Skylines in which the player is building modern cities and manages their economy and industry. As the title suggests, Cities Skylines – Natural Disasters expansion introduces various cataclysms that can devastate player’s cities. Among them there are fires, meteor impacts, hurricanes and earthquakes. In order to deal with new challenges, the players can use various preventive means, such as an early warning system or evacuation. A radio is used to warn the people, and during peaceful times it can be used for listening to new music tracks. The Natural Disasters expansion introduces a long-awaited novelty – scenario mode that enables the player to create custom missions with a selected starting city and winning conditions. The created missions can be shared through the Steam Workshop.

A huge add-on for Total War: Warhammer, introducing a new playable race: Wood Elves. In order to introduce the new faction, a playable mini-campaign was added, in which the new race fights against Bretorians, and repels the invasion of army of beasts led by Morghur. The new race is led by two legendary leaders: an immortal half-god Orion, and one of the oldest treefolk, Durthu. Aside from them, Realm of The Wood Elves is represented by Glade Lords and Ancient Treemen, as well as three types of heroes: Spellsingers, Branchwraiths, and Waystalkers. Additionally, a number of standard units were introduced, including eagle riders or stag-alikes. Wood Elves also have a unique technological and building tree. Conquered areas can only support guard posts, while more advanced structures are built only in Athel Loren, their home forest. A new currency – Amber – had been introduced, necessary for recruiting elite units.

The third major installment in a cult RTS franchise created and developed under the watchful eye of the Microsoft company. Contrary to the previous editions, which were set in ancient and medieval times, this one lets you witness centuries-long conquest of America, spanning from 16th to 19th century. Because of its wider time frame and a setting much closer to modern times, the game lets you command both medieval units, as well as more recent technical advancements. The developers brought back the well-proven mechanics, with an addition of some new elements. Core gameplay is an extensive story campaign depicting a blend of facts and fictional events. In multiplayer you can command one of eight playable nations, each one having its own, unique features. Additionally the game can boast impressive 3D graphics created using the Havok physics engine.

Banished is a real-time economical strategy game, the first one developed by Luke Hodorowicz, the founder of the independent studio Shining Rock Software LLC. The player controls a small group of people exiled from their home country, who are trying to settle down in a new place and create the foundations of a powerful kingdom. The task calls, first and foremost, for ensuring the survival of a small society, and then managing its development. The gameplay focuses heavily on reasonable use of resources and methodical care for the player's subjects, constantly threatened by such dangers as hunger, diseases or unfavorable weather conditions (drought, harsh winters, etc.). Along the course of the game, the village grows in size and the gameplay difficulty increases.

Another major installment in the bestselling turn-based strategy game series that focus on a humorous rivalry between the eponymous worms. In Worms WMD, the basic gameplay principles remain unchanged, and the players still have to eliminate the opposite team using a number of more or less unconventional weapons. The participants make their moves in turns and their actions are limited by a time limit. The game refers to the initial two-dimensional installments of the series, which means that battles are presented from the classical side view. The title does not lack for several enriching novelties, though. These include the possibility to hide inside buildings and to use vehicles that allow us to traverse the battlefield and deal damage to the enemy. Visually, the production features the characteristic cartoonish visual style, although the worms’ appearance and animation were refreshed.

A sequel to Stronghold, an economic strategy game set in the Middle Ages and developed by FireFly Studios in 2001. This time we travel to the Middle East of the crusades period in the late 11th and the early 12th century. The game mechanics are not much different from what fans of the series know and love. The game's biggest innovation is the setting, albeit it features also some minor gameplay adjustment, such as dealing with limited water supplies. The developers offered four campaigns, in which you can lead the crusader army as Richard the Lionheart or command the Arabic soldiers as Saladin. The already wide spectrum of military units was expanded even further, featuring several units unique for each side of the conflict. In addition, the game offers a wider selection of clever siege weapons and defensive measures to be used in battle, a functional scenario editor, and a new Skirmish Mode.

Another chapter in the Total War large-scale strategy game series, created and developed by the Creative Assembly studio. After a couple of sequels to the earlier installments in the series (e.g. Medieval, Shogun, and Rome), the developers took on a new great historical figure. The game is set in the late 4th and the early 5th century CE. The Roman Empire is on the brink of collapse, at war with numerous barbaric tribes of the Huns and the Visigoths. Playing as Rome, you lead an army weakened by continuous skirmishes. This makes gameplay much more demanding, challenging even for the veterans of the series. The game realistically presents various military, social, and religious tendencies of the period, e.g. you have to counteract diseases and epidemics and deal with climate changes that affect farming and economy. Additionally, both the UI and the game engine were improved, resulting in better visual quality.

RollerCoaster Tycoon World is the fourth installment in the popular economic strategy game series and the first one to be released after an over ten years long hiatus. Atari entrusted the game's development to a relatively new studio, Nvizzio Creations, for which RollerCoaster Tycoon World is the first major production in its portfolio. In the game, we traditionally assume the role of a theme park manager, who tries to create a unique place of entertainment for visiting tourists with various attractions, including the eponymous rollercoasters. In accordance with the latest trends, the game puts a large emphasis on online play, social interactions, and player cooperation. Furthermore, the game offers improved graphics on par with modern standards.

Developed by Relic Entertainment, the third installment of the real-time strategy set in a dark science fiction world. The action of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III once again takes us to the popular universe created by Games Workshop. During gameplay you can lead one of the three available races: Space Marines, Eldars, and Orks. Each of them has unique heroes, units, buildings, and abilities. Mechanically, the title combines the best solutions from the previous parts of the franchise and concentrates on spectacular battles waged on vast maps with hundreds of units. The game features RPG elements, such as customization of units and heroes that can be provided with special equipment and abilities obtained with the increase of experience. The title utilizes a modern graphics engine which offers attractive, 3D visuals and large-scale environment destruction.